Attachment clamp

ABSTRACT

Various apparatuses to attach a first medical device to a second medical device are described that allow the physician to grasp only a single device while the other device remains securely attached to the one being grasped. The apparatuses, once they are attached to the first medical device, are designed to be easily and quickly attached and detached to a second medical device, normally only requiring the use of one hand. Furthermore, the apparatuses oftentimes include a base that can easily couple and decouple from the portion that is attached to the second medical device so that if the need arises to separately use the second medical device, it can be decoupled from the first medical device without completely removing the apparatus from the second medical device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/837,460, filed Dec. 11, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/398,490, filed Jan. 4, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.9,867,522, issued Jan. 16, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/517,290, filed Oct. 17, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.9,565,992, issued Feb. 14, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/714,110, filed Dec. 13, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.8,894,028, issued Nov. 25, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/526,469, filed Jan. 18, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.8,353,493, issued Jan. 15, 2013, which is the National Stage ofPCT/US2008/053313, filed Feb. 7, 2008, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/888,713, filed Feb. 7, 2007, all of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

More than one medical device is often required to be used togetherduring the same medical procedure. For example, in the performance ofminimally-invasive types of procedures using an endoscope, a secondmedical device is sometimes inserted through the working channel of theendoscope. Either the endoscope or the second medical device can provideillumination and imaging capability while the other may perform adistinct or specialized function. Having to hold two instruments isburdensome for the physician.

SUMMARY

Various apparatuses to attach a first medical device to a second medicaldevice are described that allow the physician to grasp only a singledevice while the other device remains securely attached to the one beinggrasped. Embodiments of the apparatus may include one or more of thefollowing devices or a type of holding portion including clamps, jaws,pincers, latches, toggle joints, hooks, straps, fasteners, buckles andthe like that are modified for use in holding the second medical devicesecurely onto the first medical device. Additionally or alternatively,any of the devices or holding portions can have surfaces covered bymeans to enhance the gripping strength between the holding portion andthe medical device. For example, the clamps, jaws, pincers, latches,joints, hooks, straps, fasteners, and buckles can have surfaces thatenhance gripping including a soft material, a sticky or tacky materialsuch as a releasable adhesive, magnets, keyed features (i.e., componentsthat fit within other slots or notches), VELCRO® enhancements at anysurface, surface roughening, and/or additional material wrapped aroundthe catheter. The apparatuses, once they are attached to the firstmedical device, are designed to be easily and quickly attached anddetached to a second medical device, normally only requiring the use ofone hand. Furthermore, the apparatuses oftentimes include a baseattached to the first medical device that can easily couple and decouplefrom the portion that is attached to the second medical device so thatif the second medical device needs to be operated by a different user,the second medical device can be decoupled from the first medical devicewithout completely removing the apparatus from the second medicaldevice.

While the apparatuses are described as being used with a first medicaldevice and a second medical device, the apparatuses are thereby notlimited solely to use in a medical setting. The description withreference to medical devices is done solely for the purpose ofillustrating a representative use. The apparatuses herein disclosed maybe used, for example, to hold any two tools to each other where the jobor task requires that two tools be used. Such tools may include tools ofa mechanic, plumber, electrician, or any other trade.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form, concepts that are further described below in theDetailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify keyfeatures of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended to be used asan aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated as the same become betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description, whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1E are diagrammatical illustrations of an apparatus to attach afirst medical device to a second medical device in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2B are diagrammatical illustrations of an apparatus to attach afirst medical device to a second medical device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3B are diagrammatical illustrations of an apparatus to attach afirst medical device to a second medical device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4C are diagrammatical illustrations of an apparatus to attach afirst medical device to a second medical device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-5D are diagrammatical illustrations of an apparatus to attach afirst medical device to a second medical device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-6C are diagrammatical illustrations of an apparatus to attach afirst medical device to a second medical device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-7D are diagrammatical illustrations of an apparatus to attach afirst medical device to a second medical device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A-8B are diagrammatical illustrations of an apparatus to attach afirst medical device to a second medical device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatical illustration of an apparatus to attach afirst medical device to a second medical device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatical illustration of an apparatus to attach afirst medical device to a second medical device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 11A-11C are diagrammatical illustrations of an apparatus to attacha first medical device to a second medical device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 12A-12B are diagrammatical illustrations of an apparatus to attacha first medical device to a second medical device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatical illustration of an apparatus to attach afirst medical device to a second medical device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 14A-14D are diagrammatical illustrations of an apparatus to attacha first medical device to a second medical device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatical illustration of an apparatus to attach afirst medical device to a second medical device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatical illustration of an apparatus to attach afirst medical device to a second medical device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1A, a medical device 100 may include an apparatus 102for attaching the first medical device to a second medical device (notshown). Medical device 100 and the second medical device that is notshown may be an endoscope, a catheter, a minimally invasive device, andthe like. Medical devices preferably may have a circular cross-sectionalconfiguration at least along some portion of their length.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the apparatus 102 may include a clamp 103 portionand a base 114 portion that attach to the medical device 100. The clampbase 114 may attach to the medical device 100 by any sort of mechanicalor adhesive means such as fasteners, pins, etc. For example, in oneembodiment, the clamp base 114 may include tabs 113 that engage incorresponding slots 115 on the medical device 100. In one embodiment,the clamp base 114 may include an outwardly extending beam 116 to whichthe clamp 103 is attached. Beam 116 projects perpendicular to the frontsurface of the base 114. Beam 116 supports the clamp 103, which may beconstructed from a first jaw 104 and a second jaw 106. “Jaws,” as usedherein, may be any holding portion or portions that have opposed matingsurfaces between which an instrument or device is held. In oneembodiment, the jaws may have an arcuate shape such that when placed ina position opposed to one another, the jaws define an open centerholding area and have free ends that flare radially outward, creating aguide for leading the second medical device to the center holding area.The jaws 104, 106 may be made from a semi-rigid material that can deformby allowing the jaws to separate at the free ends to allow the secondmedical device to enter the holding area. The beam 116 may be positionedon one side of the base 114 and may be connected to one side of theclamp 103. In other embodiments, a first jaw and a second jaw may bepivoted to swing in the center and biased closed with a spring such as acoil spring, leaf spring, or other resilient material.

As best seen in FIG. 1B, an L-shaped hook 122 extends from the back ofthe jaw 106 towards the base 114 on the side opposite to the beam 116.The L-shaped hook 122 has a tab projecting parallel to the front surfaceof the base 114 that can move into and out of a catch 120 secured to theclamp base 114. In one embodiment, the catch 122 is an arcuate memberhaving a pair of legs secured to the base 114 and an opening thereininto which the tab of the hook 122 can fit. In a static condition, thetab of the hook 122 fits within the opening of the catch 122 so that thetab is at least partially covered by the catch 120.

The tab of the hook 122 is movable to a second position where the tab isdisengaged from the catch 120. The tab of the hook 122 moves frombeneath the catch 120 when the jaw 106 is deflected. For example, when asecond medical device is forced through the ends of the jaws 104 and106, the width at the entrance increases, which causes the jaw 106 to bedeflected outward and the tab of the hook 122 to move out from under thecatch 120. When the second medical device passes the narrower entrancebetween jaws 104 and 106 and into the holding area of the clamp, the jaw106 returns to its undeflected position and the tab of the hook 122returns to lying underneath or being positioned within the catch 120.

In the embodiment shown, the clamp 103 also includes a locking mechanism126 that may comprise a barrel 108, a lever 110, and a pawl 118. Thepawl 118 is positioned at the distal end of the barrel 108 and on theflat surface that is perpendicular to the long axis of the barrel 108.The lever 110 may extend outwardly from the opposite end of the barrel108 so that movement of the lever 110 causes the barrel 108 to rotateabout its longitudinal axis. The locking mechanism 126 is rotatablypositioned within a hole 124 in the base 114 so that the pawl 118protrudes past the surface of the base 114 and is able to reach to thehook 122. The pawl 118 may include a ridge and a ramp placed orthogonalto the ridge. The base 114 retains the barrel 108 within the hole 124when the base 114 is connected to the medical device 100. In anotherembodiment, the lever 110 may be replaced by a dial that may be rotatedto adjust the tension with which the device is held between the jaws.

Referring to FIGS. 1C-1E, the second medical device 101 is pressedagainst the ends of the jaws 104 and 106 that cause the jaws to flex. InFIG. 1C, the pawl 118 is positioned so as not to interfere with the hook122 movement as the jaw 106 flexes. In FIG. 1D, as the width at theopening increases, the hook 122 moves away from under the catch 120 asthe jaws 104 and 106 flex outward. In FIG. 1B, the second medical device101 is fully captured by jaws 104 and 106, and the hook 122 returns towithin catch 120. The lever 110 can be pressed to rotate the barrel 108and cause the pawl 118 to engage the hook 122. The pawl 118 firstengages the back of the hook 122 with the ramp to apply pressure thatpresses the hook 122 upward so that the pawl 118 will push the hook 122against the catch 120. Continued rotation of the barrel eventuallypushes the hook up and above the top surface of the pawl 118 onto theridge. This action will pinch the second medical device 101 tighterwithin clamp 102. With the ramp touching the book 122 and keeping thehook 122 in the catch 120, the jaws 104 and 106 are prevented fromflexing, thus, retaining the second medical device 101 within the clamp103.

The inside surfaces of the jaws 104 and 106 may be covered by means toenhance the gripping strength between the jaws and the medical device.For example, the surfaces can have means to enhance gripping, includinga soft, pliable material, a sticky or tacky material such as areleasable adhesive, magnets, keyed features (i.e., components that fitwithin other slots or notches), VELCRO®, surface roughening, and/oradditional material wrapped around the catheter.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, another embodiment of an apparatus forattaching a first medical device 100 to a second medical device isillustrated. The apparatus may include a base component 202 and adetachable pincer component 200. The medical device 100 may havestructure that attaches to the base component 202. The base 202 may beattached to the medical device 100 via any mechanical fastener or may beintegrated with other components of the medical device 100. In theillustrated embodiment, the base component 202 may be attached to themedical device 100 via screws that are threaded from one side of thebase 202. The base 202 includes an aperture 216 that extends verticallyfrom top to bottom and faces away from the medical device 100. Theaperture 216 extends into a slot 217 that also extends vertically on thefront surface of the base 202. The pincer component 200 includes a poet214 that slides into the aperture 216 of the base 202 from below. Thepincer component 200 includes a web 215 that connects the post 214 tothe pincer component 200. The web 215 slides within the slot 217, whilethe post 214 slides into the aperture 216 to allow the pincer component200 to be easily detached from the first medical device 100. Theapparatus, once it is attached to the first medical device 100, isdesigned to be easily and quickly attached and detached to a secondmedical device, normally only requiring the use of one hand.Furthermore, the base 202 and post 214 allows the second medical deviceto be easily coupled and decoupled from the first medical device 100 ifthe need arises for the second medical device to be operated by adifferent user without having to disengage the second medical devicefrom the jaws 204 and 206. This may be accomplished by simply insertingthe post 214 into the base 202 and reversing the process to remove thesecond medical device.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the pincer 200 is shown in an explodedillustration to more clearly describe the components. The pincer 200includes a hinge 208. The hinge 208 has a first and a second eardisposed parallel to one another and joined to each other by anupstanding wall so that the first and second ears are spaced verticallyfrom each other, creating a gap. The post 214 may be attached to therear of the upstanding wall via the web 215. The first and second earshave apertures in alignment with each other to allow a pivoting pin (notshown) to be inserted there through from the top ear to the bottom ear.The pincer 200 may include a first jaw 204 and a second jaw 206. Eachjaw has an arcuate portion defining half of the pincer 200 and a leverhandle joined to the jaw via a fulcrum structure. The fulcrum istherefore interposed between the jaw and the lever handle. Jaw 204 haslever handle 218 joined to the fulcrum comprising lower ear 222 andupper ear 224. Ears 222 and 224 have apertures similar in size to theapertures in the ears of hinge 208. Jaw 206 has lever handle 220 joinedto the fulcrum comprising lower ear 226 and upper ear 228. Ears 226 and228 have apertures similar in size to the apertures in the ears of hinge208. Ears 222 and 224 of jaw 204 are spaced wide enough apart from eachother to accept ears 226 and 228 of jaw 206, which are spaced closer toeach other. The ears 226 and 228 provide a gap vertically between them.The pincer 200 is constructed by joining jaws 204 and 206 together withthe hinge 208 and positioning the coil spring 212 coaxially with theapertures on the hinge 208. Alternate embodiments may eliminate the coilspring 212 and have flat leaf springs or resilient, but flexible,materials to serve as the biasing device biasing the jaws 204 and 206together. The spring 212 can fit between lower ear 226 and upper ear 228of jaw 206. The retaining pin (not shown) may pass through the aperturesin the hinge 208 and the apertures 222, 224, 226 and 228 of jaws 204 and206. The spring 212 may have straight runs at both ends so that the endscan be placed to press against the inside of the lever handles 218 and220 so that the spring 212 biases the lever handles 218 and 220 outward.Therefore, due to the action of the fulcrums, the jaws 204 and 206 arebiased by spring 212 inwardly to close. By pressing on the lever handles218 and 220, the jaws 204 and 206 are forced open against the action ofthe spring 212, thus allowing the pincer 200 to be attached to a secondmedical device.

In other embodiments, the first and second jaws can be joined to eachother via a flexible, but resilient hinge material to eliminate the needfor a spring and pivoting pin. Such embodiments may resemble the jawstructure illustrated in FIG. 1A. The inside surfaces of the jaws 204and 206 may be covered by means to enhance the gripping strength betweenthe jaws and the medical device. For example, the surfaces can havemeans to enhance gripping, including a soft, pliable material, a stickyor tacky material such as a releasable adhesive, magnets, keyed features(i.e., components that fit within other slots or notches), VELCRO®,surface roughening, and/or additional material wrapped around thecatheter.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an alternate embodiment of an apparatusfor attaching a first medical device to a second medical device isillustrated. The apparatus 300 has a spring loaded pincer. The apparatus300 may include a rack type joint 302 to enable the detachment of thepincer 303 from the medical device 100. The rack type joint 302 may be abox-like structure having two vertical walls and two horizontal wallsand a stout rear wall that can be attached to the medical device 100 viamechanical fasteners. The medical device 100, in turn, may havestructure to mate with the rack type joint 302 on one side thereof. Atthe opposite side from the medical device 100, the rack type joint 302may include means on the top and bottom horizontal walls for detachingthe pincer 303 that may include a first tab 306 and a second tab 308that are flexible to permit deflection in a downward (or upward) motionwhile hinged at the rear to cause disengagement. The tabs 306 and 308may have ends with serrations pointing, respectively, up and down, and abutton placed at about the middle of the tab. The button may be used asthe location to depress the tab.

An intermediate housing 304 that supports the pincer 303 is constructedso as to join to the rack type joint 302. The housing 304 may also be abox-like structure that fits partially over the two vertical andhorizontal walls of the rack-type joint. The housing 304 is insertedinto the rack-type joint until the walls of the housing 304 hit upagainst a lip surrounding the rack-type joint. The ends of the tabs 306and 308 having serrations, therefore, are inserted immediately next tothe interior surface of the housing 304 at the top and bottom. Thehousing 304 has internal mating serrations that engage the serrations oftabs 306 and 308. The button 310 and the second button that is oppositeand connected to tab 308, which is not shown, are used to depress tabs306 and 308 inwardly so as to disengage the housing 304 from therack-type joint 302. The apparatus once it is attached to the firstmedical device 100 is designed to be easily and quickly attached anddetached to a second medical device, normally only requiring the use ofone hand. Furthermore, the button 310 and the one not shown allows thesecond medical device to be easily coupled and decoupled from the firstmedical device 100 if the need arises for the second medical device tobe operated by a different user without having to disengage the secondmedical device from the jaws of the clamp. This is accomplished bysnapping the housing 304 to the rack-type joint 302 to attach the secondmedical device and then pressing the buttons to release the secondmedical device. The rack-type joint 302 may further include a box 309 inthe interior thereof. The box 309 may have a first rod 311 and a secondrod 313 rotatably placed on the opposite sides of the box 309 and at thefront of the box 309, the function of which will be described below.

The housing 304 supports the pincer device 303 on one side thereof. Thehousing 304 includes the aperture 330 on the top wall of the housing andaperture 331 on the bottom wall of the housing 304. Both apertures arein vertical alignment to accept a retaining pin (not shown) that acts asa pivot for a first jaw 312 and a second jaw 314. A handle for manuallyapplying pressure may be connected to each jaw. Jaw 312 has handle 330.Jaw 314 has handle 332. Each jaw may have structure to act as a fulcrumcomprising an upper and lower ear with an aperture. Each jaw may alsopossess an extension behind the fulcrum to act as a lever. Jaw 312 haslower ear 320 and upper ear 322 connecting the arcuate portion to theextension 333. Extension 333 and handle 330 are on the opposite side ofthe fulcrum ears 320 and 322 to be able to apply leverage to the jaw312. Jaw 314 has lower ear 328 and upper ear 326 connecting the arcuateportion to the extension 329. Extension 329 and handle 332 are on theopposite side of fulcrum ears 326 and 328 to be able to apply leverageto the jaw 314. Ears 326 and 328 are alternately engaged with thecorresponding ears 320 and 322 of jaw 312. Apertures are provided ineach of the ears 320 and 322 of jaw 312 and the ears 326 and 328 of jaw314 so that a retaining pin can be positioned within them to furtherengage with the apertures 330 and 331 of the housing 304, thus allowingjaws 312 and 314 to pivot at the retaining pin. The upper ear 326 of jaw314 includes a skirt having a raised circumference, and the lower ear320 of jaw 312 includes a similar skirt so as to allow coil spring 318to be placed within skirt of ear 326 and coil spring 316 within skirt ofear 320. Alternate embodiments may eliminate the coil springs 316 and318 and have flat leaf springs or resilient, but flexible, materials toserve as the biasing device biasing the jaws 312 and 314 together.Springs 316 and 318 have straight runs at the ends at about right anglesto each other. Skirts of ears 326 and 320 include a slit 327 made in theskirt so as to anchor one end of the spring. The other end of the springextends over and outside the skirt and is placed against structure onthe inside of housing 304. For example, spring 318 fits within skirt ofear 326, and a straight and of spring 318 fits into slit 327, and theother end of spring 318 extends above the skirt and abuts against theinside of the housing 304 at a suitable place to act as an anchor forthe spring 318. Spring 316 is likewise placed in jaw 312. Thus, springs316 and 318 maintain jaws 312 and 314 normally closed. Depressinghandles 330 and 332 counteracts the spring forces, allowing jaws 312 and314 to be opened to allow a second medical device to be placed therein.When housing 304 with pincer 303 is slid onto rack-type joint 302, theextension 333 passes on the outside of the rod 311 of box 309 and theextension 329 passes on the outside of the rod 313 so as housing 304 ispressed against the rack-type joint 302, the extensions 333 and 329 arespread apart or at least are forced apart to close jaws 312 and 314 moresecurely.

In other embodiments, the first and second jaws can be joined to eachother via a flexible, but resilient hinge material to eliminate the needfor springs and pivoting pins. Such embodiment may resemble the jawstructure illustrated in FIG. 1A. The inside surfaces of the jaws 312and 314 may be covered by means to enhance the gripping strength betweenthe jaws and the medical device. For example, the surfaces can havemeans to enhance gripping, including a soft, pliable material, a stickyor tacky material such as a releasable adhesive, magnets, keyed features(i.e., components that fit within other slots or notches), VELCRO®,surface roughening, and/or additional material wrapped around thecatheter.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, another embodiment of an apparatus 400 isillustrated for attaching a first medical device to a second medicaldevice. The apparatus 400 may include a base component 402 and a wiretie component 400. The base 402 is illustrated being attached to themedical device 100. Attachment of base 402 to medical device 100 may bevia mechanical fasteners, for example. Base 402 may comprise an aperture406 disposed vertically on the base 402 and centrally located betweenthe sides of the base 402. The aperture 406 may be connected to a slot407 also extending vertically on the base 402 and on the side of thebase 402 that is opposite to the medical device 100.

The wire tie component 400 may include a buckle 401. The buckle 401 maybe a box-like structure having a top and bottom wall, a back wall, and afront wall that extends beyond the top and bottom walls. The buckle 401includes first 408 and second 410 walls placed at an angle on the frontwall to support the second medical device. Finally, the buckle 401 has aside wall, but the opposite side of the buckle 401 is generally open,the purpose of which will be described below. The back wall of thebuckle 401 may support an upwardly-pointing post 404 attached via web405 that fits within the aperture 406 and slot 407 on the base 402. Thebuckle 401 may include a flexible strap 412 that is connected on oneside wall of the buckle 401. The strap 412 may be flexible such that thestrap 412 can be bent around from one side of the buckle 401 to theother to hold a second medical device to the buckle 401. The strap 412may include a tip 414 having serrations 416 on the end opposite to theend of the strap 412 that is attached to the buckle 401. The tip 414 maybe placed at a right angle to the remainder of the strap 412. The strap412 includes a button 424 that may be placed by the tip 414 and may beintegrally molded to the strap 412. The strap 412 may loop around thesecond medical device, so that the tip 414 of the strap 412 may beinserted into the buckle 401 on the side of the buckle 401 that isgenerally open but includes a receiving guide 418 to guide the tip 414into the buckle 401 in a desired location.

Referring specifically to the cross-sectional illustration of FIG. 4C,the strap 412 (also shown in phantom) may be looped around so that thetip 414 is inserted within the receiving guide 418 of the buckle 401 onthe open side of the buckle 401. A tab 420 is supported by a wall alsosupporting the fixed end of the strap 412. The connection between thetab 420 and the wall is flexible and acts as a hinge 422 that allows thetab 420 to reciprocate up and down as serrations on the tip 414 slideby. The tab 420 includes serrations that face in the opposite directionas the serrations of the tip 414. Thus, the tip 414 can be looked inposition with the tab 420. The tip 414 may be released by application ofpressure against a lever handle attached to the tab 420, which causesthe serrations of the tab 420 to disengage with the serrations of thetip 414 and allows the strap 412 to disengage from the buckle 401 andrelease the second medical device.

In other embodiments, instead of the strap 412 having serrations at thetip 414, the strap 412 may have other joining members, such as a hookand loop fastener, snap buttons, or the like. The inside surface of thestrap 412 may be covered by means to enhance the gripping strengthbetween the strap and the medical device. For example, the surface canhave means to enhance gripping, including a soft, pliable material, asticky or tacky material such as a releasable adhesive, magnets, keyedfeatures (i.e., components that fit within other slots or notches),VELCRO®, surface roughening, and/or additional material wrapped aroundthe catheter.

The apparatus once it is attached to the first medical device 100 isdesigned to be easily and quickly attached and detached to a secondmedical device, normally only requiring the use of one hand.Furthermore, the base 402 and post 404 allows the second medical deviceto be easily coupled and decoupled from the first medical device 100 ifthe need arises for the second medical device to be operated by adifferent user without having to disengage the second medical devicefrom the strap 412. This may be accomplished by simply inserting thepost 404 onto the base 402 and reversing the process to remove thesecond medical device.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5D, an apparatus 500 for attaching a first medicaldevice to a second medical device is illustrated. The apparatus 500 mayinclude a base component 502 that may be attachable to a first medicaldevice, such as medical device 100, and a clamp component 504. The base502 may include a top plate 503 positioned orthogonal to the base 502.The top plate 503 may include a rectangular slot 506 at the distal side.Slot 506 acts as an anchor for a corresponding peg of the clampcomponent 504. The base 502 may include a spring 508. The spring 508 mayinclude a flat strip of material formed as an S-curve of adequate widthto accommodate a second slot 512 on the bottom leg of the S-curve ofequal length as the slot 506 on the top plate 503. The upper leg of theS-curve may be attached perpendicular to the flat front surface of base502 opposite to the side which is attached to the first medical device.The bottom leg of the S-curve is connected to a handle 510. The handle510 can be depressed, thus, compressing the bottom leg of the S-curveand decreasing the distance between the first slot 506 and the secondslot 512.

The clamp component 504 may include a bracket to removably secure theclamp to the first medical device. The bracket may include a top peg 514attached to a sideways arm and a second bottom peg 516 attached to asideways arm, each peg may be sized to enter into the respective firsttop slot 506 and the second bottom slot 512. Both arms that hold pegs514 and 516 may extend sideways before turning up at the ends. The upperpeg is pointed up and the bottom peg has a ramp and a ledge behind theramp at the end of the peg. The upper peg 514 may be first engaged withthe slot 506 from below the slot 506. The clamp component 504 pivotsaround the first top peg 514 so that the ramp at the end of the lowerpeg 516 strikes a ramp of opposite slope on the end of the bottom leg ofthe S-curve. Continued application of force causes the bottom leg of theS-curve to deform slightly upwards to allow the peg 516 to engage theslot 512. When the handle 510 is pushed up, the reduced distancereleases the bottom peg 516 from slot 512, and thus, the clamp component504 can be removed from the base 502. The apparatus once it is attachedto the first medical device 100 is designed to be easily and quicklyattached and detached to a second medical device, normally onlyrequiring the use of one hand. Furthermore, the pegs 514 and 516 mayallow the second medical device to be easily coupled and decoupled fromthe first medical device 100 if the need arises for the second medicaldevice to be operated by a different user without having to disengagethe second medical device from the jaws of the clamp 504 by simplyoperating the handle 510.

The clamp component 504 may include a first 518 and a second 520 jaw.The second jaw 520 supports the first and the second pegs describedabove. Each jaw has an arcuate portion followed by a straight portion.The first jaw 518 is connected to the second jaw 520 via a living hinge522 after the arcuate portions and at the straight portions. Livinghinge 522 may be a flexible strip of material that is narrower at thecenter to allow flexing of the jaws 518 and 520 to open or close. Jaws518 and 520 continue as extensions 528 and 530 on the opposite side ofthe living hinge 522. First jaw 518 and second jaw 520 form a pincerdevice where living hinge 522 acts as a fulcrum and extensions 528 and530 of jaws 518 and 520 behind the living hinge 522 act as levers thatcan be pressed nearer to each other to open the jaws or spread apart toclose the jaws. For example, pressing the extensions 528 and 530 nearerto one another causes jaws 518 and 520 to open wider, while pushingextensions 528 and 530 apart closes the jaws 518 and 520. A lookingmechanism includes a toggle joint.

A toggle joint acts to push extensions 528 and 530 apart and, thus, toclose the jaws. The toggle joint may be made from a first leg 526 and asecond leg 528 joined to each other at about midway of the living hinge522, resembling a knee 525. The combined length of leg 524 and leg 526when straightened is greater than the length of the living hinge 522.When a force is applied to straighten the knee 525, the opposite ends ofthe legs 526 and 528 apply an outward force or push against theextensions 528 and 530 and close the jaws 518 and 520. The innersurfaces of the extensions 528 and 530 include a groove or socket, asbest seen in FIGS. 5C and 5D. The sockets of the extensions 528 and 530are each engaged with one leg of the toggle joint. The first leg 526 ispivotally attached to the inner surface of extension 528. The second leg524 is pivotally attached to the inner surface of the extension 530.Both legs 526 and 524 are pivotally attached to each other at the knee525. Leg 524 is connected to a lever 530 attached perpendicular to leg524. Referring specifically to FIG. 5C, in a first position, the knee525 juts outward and bends away from the hinge 522. This is the no-loadconfiguration that allows the living hinge 522 to flex. When the knee525 juts outward or bends away, there is no compressive force on legs524 and 526 because there is no resistance against the jaws 518 and 520opening. The inside surfaces of jaws 518 and 520 are shown slightly openand not fully pressing against the second medical device 101.

As seen in FIG. 5D, moving the lever 530 to the opposite side forces theknee 525 to straighten, which causes the extensions 528 and 530 to bespread further apart, eventually reaching the point where the knee 525bends inwards and towards the hinge 522. This has the effect of closingthe jaws 518, 520 around the second medical device 101. Resistance tomoving the lever 530 will be felt when the jaws 518, 520 touch thesecond medical device 101. Continued movement of the lever 530 to theopposite side continually increases the separation distance betweenextensions 528 and 530 up to the point when the knee 525 is straight.Past this point, the knee 525 will jut inwards or bend towards the hinge522 and release some of the pressure that is applied to the extensions528 and 530. It is at this point that the knee 525 can be prevented frommoving further as just after the knee 525 juts inward or bends towardsthe hinge 522, the toggle joint may apply close to the maximum pressureon the jaws 518, 520. This is the loaded configuration because the jaws518 and 520 not being able to close further around the second medicaldevice 101 places the legs 524 and 526 under tension that prevents theknee 525 from returning to the outward jutting configuration. Thus, thesecond medical device 101 is secured within jaws 518 and 520. Themedical device 101 can be released by returning the lever 530 to theoriginal position, as illustrated in FIG. 5C.

In alternate embodiments, the first and second jaws may be replaced byany of the jaw structures as illustrated in FIG. 1A, 2B, or 3B. Theinside surfaces of the jaws 518 and 520 may be covered by means toenhance the gripping strength between the jaws and the medical device.For example, the surfaces can have means to enhance gripping, includinga soft, pliable material, a sticky or tacky material such as areleasable adhesive, magnets, keyed features (i.e., components that fitwithin other slots or notches), VELCRO®, surface roughening, and/oradditional material wrapped around the catheter.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, an alternate embodiment of an apparatus 600for attaching a first medical device to a second medical device isillustrated. The apparatus 600 may include a base 610 that can bemechanically connected to a first medical device. The base 610 may havea flat surface 611 on the side opposite from the mechanical connectionto the medical device. The apparatus 600 may include a first jaw 602 anda second jaw 604 connected to one another via a joining wall 612. Thejaws 602 and 604 extend behind the wall 612 into beams 614 and 616 thatare rigidly connected to the surface 611 of the base 610. Each jaw 602and 604 may be curved or bowed so that the placement of the jaws 602 and604 with the bowed portions facing each other define a wide center areafor accepting a second medical device and a narrow opening defined at orclose to the ends of the jaws 602 and 604. A sliding ring 606 issupported within slots created in jaws 602 and 604 that allow thesliding ring 606 to be rotated in relation to the jaws 602 and 604. Forexample, the end of jaw 602 includes a slot through which the end of thesliding ring 606 is passed. The jaw 604 includes a slot that allows theopposite end of the sliding ring 606 to pass through. The sliding ring606 includes a handle 608 on the end that allows rotating the slidingring 606 within the slots of the jaws 602 and 604. As best seen in thecross-sectional illustrations of FIGS. 6B and 6C, the sliding ring 606defines less than a complete circumference of a circle. The sliding ring606 has a gap in its circumference that is generally proportionate tothe opening between the first jaw 602 and the second jaw 604. Asillustrated in FIG. 6B, the gap in the sliding ring 606 can be alignedwith the opening between the jaws 602 and 604 to allow a medical device101 to pass by the opening and be placed within the interior of thefirst and the second jaws 602 and 604. In FIG. 6C, the sliding ring 606is illustrated being rotated via the handle 608. Thus, the end of thesliding ring 606 may close the opening between jaws 602 and 604, therebyretaining the second medical device within the jaws 602 and 604. Theforward end of the sliding ring 606 may engage with the jaw 604 underpressure so that the jaws 602 and 604 apply a squeezing force on themedical device 101. To release the medical device 101, the handle 608may be moved to the position shown in FIG. 6B, thus creating the openingbetween the jaws 602 and 604 once again to release the second medicaldevice 101.

The inside surfaces of the jaws 602 and 604 and the sliding ring 606 maybe covered by means to enhance the gripping strength between the jawsand the medical device. For example, the surfaces can have means toenhance gripping, including a soft, pliable material, a sticky or tackymaterial such as a releasable adhesive, magnets, keyed features (i.e.,components that fit within other slots or notches), VELCRO®, surfaceroughening, and/or additional material wrapped around the catheter. Forexample, in one embodiment, the sliding ring 606 may have a smallerinside diameter than the inside diameter defined by the jaws 602 and604. The sliding ring 606 may then engage with a corresponding groove ornotch around the outer circumference of the medical device 101.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7D, an embodiment of an apparatus 700 forattaching a first medical device to a second medical device isillustrated. The apparatus 700 may include a clamp attached to a base702. The base 702 may be attachable to a first medical device via anymechanical or adhesive means. The apparatus 700 may include a first jaw704 and a second jaw 706 connected to each other via a flexibletransverse wall 712. The interior surfaces of the jaw 704, wall 712, andjaw 706 combine to form an arcuate shape, such as a portion of a circle.The jaw 704 extends behind the wall 712 and forms a beam 714 that isconnected to the surface of the base 702 on one side of the base 702. Asappreciated from FIG. 7B, the first jaw 704, the second jaw 706, and theintermediate wall 712 are joined to the base 702 via the beam 714 thatextends from jaw 704. The opposite jaw 706 extends pest the wall 712 andforms a block 716 having at least a straight edge facing inward. Asdepicted in FIG. 7B, when a second medical device is pressed against theopening defined by the ends of the jaws 704 and 706, jaws 704 and 706will spread apart, allowing the second medical device to be capturedwithin the jaws 704 and 706. Jaw 706 may experience most of the movementas intermediate wall 712 may flex to allow jaw 706 to open. Once withinjaws 704 and 706, the medical device can be locked in position by alocking mechanism.

A looking mechanism may include a disk 722 that is rotationally attachedto the base 702. The disk 722 is positioned between the base 702 and theintermediate wall 712 and attached to the base 702 at its center via apivot pin to allow rotation of the disk 722. The disk 722 defines acaming surface on the side of the disk 722 and formed from the outercircumference of the disk 722. The caming surface may include a firstcut-out 724 and a second cut-out 726 formed from reduced thickness areasof the disk 722. The first out-out 724 may define a straight edge thatcuts the disk 722 along a chord of a circle close to the circumferenceof the disk 722. The second cut-out 726 may define a second straightedge that cuts the disk 722 along a chord of a circle that is fartheraway from the circumference of the disk 722. The straight edge ofout-out 724 and the straight edge of cut-out 726 may be positioned atright angles to each other, and a transition between them may comprise arounded corner. The cam surface therefore includes an edge of varyingthickness along the perimeter of the disk 722 and on the side of thedisk 722.

Referring to the cross-sectional illustration of FIG. 7C, the block 716is shown in position within the out-out 726 so that the straight edge ofthe block 714 may be generally parallel to the straight edge of theout-out 726. There may be a gap between the edge of the block 716 andthe edge of the cut-out 726 and, thus, allows the jaw 706 to which block716 is attached to be flexed as described above. Referring to FIG. 7D,the handle 720 attached to the disk 722 may be moved to rotate the disk722 so that the edge of the cut-out 724 lies generally parallel andtouching or very nearly touching the straight edge of the block 716, andmay even have pressed against the block 724 with a slight force so as toput pressure on the jaw 706. As can be appreciated, the block 716 haslittle to no room to flex to the side because of the nearness of thestraight edge of the cut-out 724 against the block 716. Thus, in theconfiguration shown in FIG. 7D, the jaw 706 is prevented from opening.Therefore, the second medical device is securely held within jaws 704and 706 illustrated in FIG. 7D.

The inside surfaces of the jaws 704 and 706 may be covered by means toenhance the gripping strength between the jaws and the medical device.For example, the surfaces can have means to enhance gripping, includinga soft, pliable material, a sticky or tacky material such as areleasable adhesive, magnets, keyed features (i.e., components that fitwithin other slots or notches), VELCRO®, surface roughening, and/oradditional material wrapped around the catheter.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, an embodiment of an apparatus forattaching a first medical device to a second medical device isillustrated. The first medical device 100 may include a flexible strap800 attached on one side of the medical device 100. Next to the strap800 is a receptacle 808 for receiving a second medical device.Receptacle 808 can be an indentation that conforms to the shape of thesecond medical device. The medical device 100 may include structure 802having a slot 808 that is provided on the side of the medical devicethat is opposite to the side on which the strap 800 is attached. Slot808 extends from a forward opening to a rear opening to allow strap 800to pass therethrough from front to back. A cylindrical cam 804positioned on one side in the path through the slot 808 has a pivotingpin 806 placed off-center in the cam 804 so that upon rotation of thecam 804, the cam 804 will cause a narrowing or constriction of the slot808 between the cam's 804 surface and the opposite side of the slot 808.The strap 800 can be wrapped around a second medical device 101, as bestseen in FIG. 8B. The strap 800 has a free end which is inserted throughthe slot 808 between the first medical device 100 and the off-center cam804. The cam 804 can have serrations or pyramid-like projections on thesurface to “bite” against the strap 800. Thus, when the end of the strap800 is inserted within the slot 808, the end of the strap 800 pivots thecam 804 to align the narrow portion of the cam 804 next to the slot 808to have adequate width for passage of the strap 800 through the slot808. When the direction of the strap 800 is reversed, such as when thestrap 800 is pulled, the cam 804 pivots so that the wider part of thecam 804 is turned to face the slot 808, thus narrowing the width of theslot 808 next to the cam 804 that causes the cam 804 to wedge itselfagainst the strap 800. In use, the strap 800 may first be pulled tightagainst the second medical device 101. When the strap 800 is released,the cam 804 bites against the strap 800, thus preventing the strap 800from releasing. As alternatives to an off-center cam, the cam can havean eccentric lobe or the cam can travel along a widening guide where theslot is widest when the cam travels down the guide and the slot isnarrowest when the cam is closest to the front of the guide.

The inside surface of the strap 800 may be covered by means to enhancethe gripping strength between the strap and the medical device. Forexample, the surface can have means to enhance gripping, including asoft, pliable material, a sticky or tacky material such as a releasableadhesive, magnets, keyed features (I.e., components that fit withinother slots or notches), VELCRO®, surface roughening, and/or additionalmaterial wrapped around the catheter.

Referring to FIG. 9, an embodiment of an apparatus for attaching a firstmedical device to a second medical device is illustrated. The medicaldevice 100 may include a flexible strap 900 attached to one side of themedical device. A receptacle 906 in the first medical device may bepositioned adjacent to the strap 900 to accommodate a second medicaldevice. Receptacle 906 may be an indentation that conforms to the shapeof the second medical device. The strap 900 may have a free end thatincludes either the loop or hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener.The corresponding portion of the hook-and-loop fastener may be attachedto the side of the medical device 100 that is opposite to the side onwhich the strap 900 is attached. A second medical device may be placedwithin the receptacle 906. A length of the strap 900 is wrapped aroundthe second medical device and the free end of the strap 900 is securedto the opposite side of the first medical device. For example, the freeend of the strap 900 may have the hook portion of the hook-and-loopfastener 902, which is engaged to the loop portion 904 of thehook-and-loop fastener on the opposite side of medical device 100,thereby attaching the first medical device 100 to the second medicaldevice (not shown).

The inside surface of the strap 900 may be covered by means to enhancethe gripping strength between the strap and the medical device. Forexample, the surface can have means to enhance gripping, including asoft, pliable material, a sticky or tacky material such as a releasableadhesive, magnets, keyed features (i.e., components that fit withinother slots or notches), VELCRO®, surface roughening, and/or additionalmaterial wrapped around the catheter.

Referring to FIG. 10, an embodiment of an apparatus for attaching afirst medical device to a second medical device is illustrated. Themedical device 100 includes a flexible strap 1000 attached on one sideof the medical device 100. A receptacle 1002 may be placed adjacent tothe strap 1000 to receive a second medical device (not shown).Receptacle 1002 may be an indentation that conforms to the shape of thesecond medical device. The strap 1000 may include a free end havingserrations 1004 on one side of the strap 1000. The free end of the strap1000 is inserted into a ratchet and pawl mechanism, which can be used totighten a length of the strap 1000 around the second medical device. Theratchet 1006 may have serrations that engage with the serrations on thestrap 1000, while the pawl 1008 prevents the strap 1000 from reversingdirection. Application of pressure to the opposite side of the pawl 1008releases the pawl 1008 from the strap 1000.

The inside surface of the strap 1000 may be covered by means to enhancethe gripping strength between the strap and the medical device. Forexample, the surface can have means to enhance gripping, including asoft, pliable material, a sticky or tacky material such as a releasableadhesive, magnets, keyed features (i.e., components that fit withinother slots or notches), VELCRO®, surface roughening, and/or additionalmaterial wrapped around the catheter.

Referring to FIGS. 11A-11C, an embodiment of an apparatus for attachinga first medical device to a second medical device is illustrated. Theapparatus may include an over-center clamp 1100 and a base 1102 that maybe mechanically fastened on one side to a first medical device. The base1102 has a surface provided opposite to the medical device to support afirst jaw 1102 and a second jaw 1104. The jaw 1102 is supported by andpivots on hinge 1106. The jaw 1104 is supported by and pivots on hinge1104. The jaw 1102 extends past the hinge 1106 into a boss 1112. The jaw1104 extends past the hinge 1108 into a boss 1114. The bosses 1112 and1114 are arranged to create over-center action to lock the secondmedical device 101 in place. As best seen in FIG. 11B, when the jaws1102 and 1104 are opened, the bosses 1112 and 1114 are not touching eachother. As a medical device 101 is being pushed against the rear of thejaws 1102 and 1104 and bosses 1112 and 1114, the jaws 1102 and 1104begin to close and the bosses 1112 and 1114 approach one another and mayeventually touch. After the bosses 1112 and 1114 make contact with oneanother, resistance may be felt to further pushing of the medicaldevice. However, increasing the application of pressure on the medicaldevice 101 overcomes the resistance. When the bosses 1112 and 1114 crossthe point where, because of the pivoting nature of the bosses, thebosses are no longer being pushed against each other and have crossedthe center and are beginning to separate from one another, the bossesgradually release some of the stored tension, and it is at this pointthat because of the reversal of forces and the separation of the bosses1112 and 1114, the jaws 1102 and 1104 are forced against the medicaldevice 101 so that the jaws 1102 and 1104 hold the medical device 101 inplace. Removal of the medical device 101 is effected by overcoming theresistance to pushing the bosses 1112 and 1114 closer to each other overthe center, but in the opposite direction, until and because of thepivoting nature, the bosses will begin to separate and release themedical device 101.

The inside surfaces of the jaws 1102 and 1104 may be covered by means toenhance the gripping strength between the jaws and the medical device.For example, the surfaces can have means to enhance gripping, includinga soft, pliable material, a sticky or tacky material such as areleasable adhesive, magnets, keyed features (i.e., components that fitwithin other slots or notches), VELCRO®, surface roughening, and/oradditional material wrapped around the catheter.

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, an embodiment of an apparatus 1200 forattaching a first medical device to a second medical device isillustrated. The apparatus may include a funnel shaped clamp 1200 andfriction to hold a medical device. The clamp 1200 includes a base 1201that can be mechanically connected to a first medical device. The funnelshaped clamp 1200 may include a first jaw 1202 and a second jaw 1204.Both jaws are connected to an intermediate wall 1210 that is thenattached to the surface of the base 1202. The jaws 1202 and 1204terminate at an opening 1208. A cross-sectional profile taken of eitherof the jaws 1202 and 1204 along any of the length of the jaw will revealan angled profile, as best seen in FIG. 12B. Thus, the radius ofcurvature of the jaws 1202 and 1204 is greatest at the highestelevation, and diminishes as the elevation decreases. Jaws 1202 and 1204are formed from a semi-rigid material that may generally be stiff, butcan give and flex. As best seen in FIG. 12B, a second medical device 101is inserted between the first jaw 1202 and the second jaw 1204. Opening1208 defined by the ends of the jaws 1202 and 1204 allows a narrowportion of the second medical device, such as an elongated shaft tosqueeze through the opening 1208, while the handle of the second medicaldevice 101, being formed as a gradually increasing circular object toclosely match the angled profile of the jaws, is received between thejaws 1202 and 1204. The second medical device 101 is lowered and may bepressed downwardly, thereby applying pressure to the interior surfacesof the jaws 1202 and 1204, which may give a little by expanding outward.Friction and the force of the jaws 1202 and 1204 pressing against thesecond medical device 101 may prevent the medical device 101 frominadvertently being detached from the clamp 1200 and the first medicaldevice.

The inside surfaces of the jaws 1202 and 1204 may be covered by means toenhance the gripping strength between the jaws and the medical device.For example, the surfaces can have means to enhance gripping, includinga soft, pliable material, a sticky or tacky material such as areleasable adhesive, magnets, keyed features (i.e., components that fitwithin other slots or notches), VELCRO®, surface roughening, and/oradditional material wrapped around the catheter.

Referring to FIG. 13, an apparatus 1300 for attaching a first medicaldevice to a second medical device is illustrated. The apparatus 1300 mayinclude a base 1302 that is mechanically or otherwise connected to afirst medical device. The base 1302 may extend lengthwise along themedical device to accommodate at least two alternately positioned hooks1304 and 1306 that may be placed on the base at different elevationssuch that the ends of the hooks face inwardly but, are not in alignmentwith respect to elevation. Hook 1304 is higher in elevation on the base1302 compared to hook 1306. Hooks 1304 and 1306 may be rigidly attachedto the surface of the base 1302. Hooks 1304 and 1306 may be formed froma semi-rigid material that may be generally stiff, but can give andflex. The base 1302 includes a latch mechanism 1308 that may be placedat a lower elevation than either of hooks 1304 and 1306. Latch mechanism1308 may travel laterally with respect to the alignment of the base 1302and within a guide 1310 on the base 1302. Latch mechanism 1308 mayinclude an arcuate surface 1312 having a radius of curvature similar tohooks 1306 and 1304. The arcuate surface 1312 is directed inward andfaces toward the lower hook 1306 so that the latch is aligned in thesame direction as hook 1304. Latch mechanism 1308 acts as a third hook,similar to hook 1304, when latch mechanism 1308 is moved forward,thereby looking the second medical device 101 from opposite sides withinthe grasp of the first and second hooks 1304 and 1306 and further heldby the latch mechanism 1308. Latch mechanism 1308 can then be moved tothe rear, thus releasing the second medical device 101.

Any number of hooks can be positioned so as to face toward the inside,but placed on opposite sides with respect to an imaginary line along thecenter of the base. Furthermore, the latch can be located above, belowor in between an upper and lower hook. The inside surfaces of the hooks1304 and 1306 and of the latch 1308 may be covered by means to enhancethe gripping strength between the hooks and latch and the medicaldevice. For example, the surfaces can have means to enhance gripping,including a soft, pliable material, a sticky or tacky material such as areleasable adhesive, magnets, keyed features (i.e., components that fitwithin other slots or notches), VELCRO®, surface roughening, and/oradditional material wrapped around the catheter.

Referring to FIGS. 14A-14D, an apparatus 1402 for attaching a firstmedical device 1404 to a second medical device 1401 is illustrated. Theattachment of the apparatus 1402 to the medical device 1404 can be viaany mechanical fastener or an adhesive. The apparatus 1402 includes abase 1450 which is attached to the medical device 1404. From the base1450, one or more support beams 1428 extend away and generallyperpendicular to the long axis of the medical device 1404. Support beamscan be defined as upper lateral, upper medial, lower lateral, and lowermedial. Each pair of support beams on either the lateral or medial sideincludes a first upper and a second lower support beam, which define aslot therebetween the first upper support beam and the second lowersupport beam. The upper lateral and medial support beams have an arcuateshape facing inwardly toward each other. The lower lateral and medialsupport beams have an arcuate shape facing inwardly toward each other.An elastomeric material 1408 is provided within the inner perimeter ofthe support beams, the function of which is to “hug” the second medicaldevice 1401. As best seen in FIG. 14D, the elastomeric material 1408includes two opposite, but similar holders 1414 and 1416. The apparatus1402 may include a first set of upper holders 1414 and 1416 and a secondset of holders that are not shown in FIG. 14D, but are beneath theholders 1414 and 1416. In FIG. 14C, the bottom set of holders isillustrated. Each elastomeric holder can correspond to a support beamsuch that the slot between support beams is preserved. As viewed fromabove in FIG. 14D, each holder 1414 and 1416 is the mirror image of eachother with respect to a central axis. Each holder 1414 and 1416 and thebottom set of holders has an inside arcuate shape, which comes to anarrow constriction and which then turn outward to receive the secondmedical device 1401. The set of holders 1414 and 1416 defines a funnelleading to a narrowing point or constriction, which then leads to theinside of the apparatus 1402. Both sets of elastomeric holders areextensions of an elastomeric hugger. The elastomeric hugger 1408 issupported by the support beams. The elastomeric hugger 1408 forms a padwithin the inside perimeter of the support beams. The elastomeric hugger1408 formed from elastomeric material provides a soft contact with thesecond medical device 1401 to which it is attached and, in addition,ensures a wide range of compatibility with medical devices due to thedeformable and compliant material of construction. The elastomerichugger 1408 can deform to fit medical devices of varying diameters. Theapparatus 1402 further includes a ratcheting clip 1410. The ratchetingclip 1410 may be comprised of two pieces or, alternatively, theratcheting clip 1410 can be a single piece with two opposing memberswith interlocking means. As best seen in FIG. 14D, the ratcheting clip1410 includes a first interlocking arm 1411 and a second interlockingarm 1413. The interlocking arms 1411 and 1413 may be connected to oneanother similar to what is illustrated in FIG. 15 or, alternatively,each interlocking arm may be attached individually to the apparatus1402. The interlocking arms 1411 and 1413 are flexible to wrap around amedical device being held within the elastic hugger 1408. To this end,the interlocking arms 1411 and 1413 can be made from a thin, flexiblematerial at those sections where the interlocking arms wrap around themedical device. The ratcheting arms 1411 and 1413 wrap outside theelastomeric hugger 1408 and within the slots provided by each set oflateral and medial support beams and each set of lateral and medialelastomeric holders. Extending further out from the apparatus 1042 andbeyond the thin, flexible sections, the interlocking arm 1411 extendsoutward, forming a comparatively rigid ear 1418. Generally perpendicularto the ear 1418, an extension 1420 with inside ratcheting teeth 1422 isprovided. The extension 1420 generally defines an arcuate shape on theinterior to match with a medical device. Opposite from the ratchetingarm 1411, a second ratcheting arm 1413 is provided. The ratcheting arm1413 similarly includes a comparatively rigid ear 1415 extending fromthe thin section of ratcheting arm 1413. Generally perpendicular to ear1415, an extension 1426 with outside ratcheting teeth 1428 is provided.As can be appreciated, the ratcheting teeth 1422 of extension 1420 andthe ratcheting teeth 1428 of extension 1426 are made to interlock withone another, thereby providing a secure clamping action. The secondextension 1426 is generally also provided as having an arcuate shape onthe interior. Generally perpendicular to ear 1415, a second extension1424 is provided on the ratcheting arm 1413. The second extension 1424is a pressure foot. The pressure foot 1424 and the extension 1426 definea slot therebetween into which extension 1420 fits. The inside surfaceof the pressure foot 1424 applies a downward force on the extension1420, which causes the ratcheting teeth 1422 to be more securely engagedwith the ratcheting teeth 1428.

By placing a medical device 1401 within the interior of elastomerichugger 1408, then wrapping both ratcheting arms 1411 and 1413 around themedical device 1401 such that the extension 1420 is inserted between theextensions 1426 and 1424 so as to engage inside ratcheting teeth 1422with outside ratcheting teeth 1428 will provide a secure attachmentbetween the medical device 1404 and the medical device 1401.

For example, in one representative embodiment, the first medical deviceto which the apparatus 1402 is attached can be an endoscope, and thesecond medical device 1401 can be a duodenal scope. This applies to allembodiments herein disclosed. The pressure foot 1424 keeps pressure onthe interlocking ratcheting teeth 1422 and 1428 to prevent accidentaldisengagement. Once engaged to the medical device 1401, the ratchetingclip 1410 can be disengaged by applying a force against the inside ofthe ear 1415, which causes the pressure foot 1424 to lift, allowing thememory of the material to cause the extension 1420 to return tonon-stressed condition and disengage the ratcheting teeth 1422 from theratcheting teeth 1428. The ears 1418 and 1415 are used to apply pressureto bring the ratcheting arms 1411 and 1413 into engagement with oneanother and close around the medical device 1401. As pressure is appliedon the ears 1418 and 1415, the elastomeric hugger 1408 may be deformed,thus securely holding the medical device 1401 to the medical device1404.

Referring to FIG. 15, another embodiment of a ratcheting clip forattaching a first medical device to a second medical device isillustrated. The apparatus 1502 includes a central attachment point 1522for securely attaching the apparatus 1502 to a first medical device (notshown). A similar attachment point may be provided for the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 14A-14D. The attachment point 1522 is generally asolid, rigid structure that can withstand the forces being applied onthe apparatus 1502. The apparatus is formed from two opposing ratchetingarms 1512 and 1514. The ratcheting arms 1512 and 1514 include sectionsclosest to the connection point 1522 formed from a thin, flexiblematerial. The ratcheting arms 1512 and 1514 are connected to one anotherat the connection point 1522. The ratcheting arms 1512 and 1514 furtherextend into ears 1504 and 1516, respectively, placed at the terminationof the thin, flexible material sections. The ears 1504 and 1516 aregenerally positioned perpendicular to the length of the thin, flexiblearms 1512 and 1514. The ears 1504 and 1516 may be generally rigid. Theratcheting arms 1512 and 1514 further comprise extension 1506 withinside ratcheting teeth 1508 and extension 1518 with outside ratchetingteeth 1520 such that when brought into engagement with one another,ratcheting teeth 1508 may interlock with ratcheting teeth 1520. In thisembodiment, a pressure foot may not be necessary when the material is ofa generally greater rigidity. The ratcheting arm 1512 further includes apull tab 1510 connected to the end and outside surface of the extension1506. Ratcheting arms 1512 and 1514 can wrap around a medical device1501 by application of pressure on ears 1504 and 1516. Once engaged witheach other, ratcheting teeth 1508 may be disengaged from ratchetingteeth 1520 by application of a pulling force on the pull tab 1510.

Referring to FIG. 16, an apparatus 1604 for attaching a first medicaldevice 1602 to a second medical device 1601 is illustrated. Theapparatus includes a base 1604 on a first medical device 1602 and a bandor strap 1608 on a second medical device 1601. In this embodiment, theband or strap 1608 may be secured to the second medical device 1601similar to the ratcheting clips disclosed above in connection with FIGS.14 and 15. Alternatively, any means for securing a band or strap can beused, such as, but not limited to, adhesives, mechanical interlockingmeans, hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO®), adhesives, or mechanicalfasteners. Furthermore, it is not necessary to have a band or strap.This embodiment relies on having flanged studs 1606 project outward froma location on the medical device 1601. A flanged stud may have a smalldiameter post extending from the support and the top of the post isfitted a flange of a larger perimeter than the post. One or any numberof flanged studs 1606 may be provided on the exterior of the medicaldevice 1601. The flanged studs are preferably, but not necessarily, inlinear alignment with each other. The base 1604 on the medical device1602 includes corresponding keyhole slots 1610 for each one of theflanged studs 1606 on the second medical device 1601. To attach medicaldevice 1602 to medical device 1601, the base 1604 is pushed against themedical device 1601 such that the keyhole slots 1610 correspond to theflanged studs 1606 and are slid down to look in place on the studs 1606.Further, a catch may be provided to further prevent the medical devicesfrom accidentally disengaging. For removal, the slots 1610 are alignedwith the flanges 1606, then the medical device 1602 is lifted up andpulled off from the flanged studs 1606.

One embodiment of the invention is of an apparatus for selectivelysecuring a first medical device to a second medical device. Theapparatus includes a clamp positioned on the first medical deviceincluding a first and second holding portion that open to receive thesecond medical device between the first and second holding portions anda looking mechanism that is selectively positioned to prevent the firstand second holding portions from opening. The apparatus may have one ofthe first or second holding portions include a hook with a tab that isselectively positioned in a catch and the looking mechanism includes apawl that secures the tab in the catch. The apparatus may have one ofthe holding portions being fixed to a clamp base and the other holdingportion moving with respect to the clamp base and wherein the hook issecured to the holding portion that moves. The apparatus may have thepawl mounted on a rotating barrel. The apparatus may have the barrelbeing rotatable between a first position where the pawl does not preventthe tab from being removed from the catch and a second position wherethe pawl does prevent the tab from being removed from the catch. Thefirst and second holding portions may be first and second jaws of aclamp, for example.

Another embodiment of the invention is of an apparatus for releasablysecuring a first medical device to a second medical device. Theapparatus includes a pincer device including a first holding portion anda second holding portion that open and close around the second medicaldevice by pivoting around a common pivot point. The apparatus includes afirst handle and a second handle attached to the first holding portionand the second holding portion respectively and extending away from thecommon pivot point to open the pincer device by depressing thecorresponding handles. The apparatus includes a spring that biases thefirst holding portion and the second holding portion towards a closedposition. The apparatus may have a single spring that biases the firstholding portion and the second holding portion. The apparatus may have afirst spring that biases the first holding portion and a second springthat biases the second holding portion. The apparatus may have means forsecuring the pincer device to the first medical device. The apparatusmay have the pincer being incorporated into a housing, and the means forsecuring the pincer device to the first medical device includes a pairof spring-biased tabs having serrations thereon that engagecorresponding serrations in the housing. The apparatus may have springbiased tabs that can be disengaged from the serrations on the housing toallow the pincer to be removed from the first medical device. The firstand the second holding portions may be first and second jaws.

Another embodiment of the invention is of an apparatus for releasablysecuring a first medical device to a second medical device. Theapparatus includes a holding portion including a flexible strap securedthereto that has length that extends around the second medical deviceand a looking mechanism that secures an end of the strap in the holdingportion. The apparatus may have the holding portion and the firstmedical device include first and second cooperating members that securethe holding portion to the first medical device. The apparatus may havethe first and second members include a post and an aperture thatreceives the post. The apparatus may have the looking mechanism in theholding portion include a flexible tab having serrations that engage theserrations of the strap and a lever handle connected to the tab thatdisengages the serrations of the tab from the serrations on the strap.The holding portion may be a buckle, for example.

Another embodiment of the invention is of an apparatus for releasablysecuring a first medical device to a second medical device. Theapparatus includes a first holding portion and a second holding portionconnected to one another through a hinge that opens to allow the secondmedical device to fit between the holding portions, wherein the firstholding portion includes a first extension that extends from the hingeand the second holding portion includes a second extension that extendsfrom the hinge. The apparatus may have a locking mechanism that createsan over-center action that is connected between the first and the secondextensions to secure the first and second extensions together andprevent the holding portions from opening. The apparatus may have thelocking mechanism include a toggle joint having a first and a second legrotatably coupled to the first and second extensions and joined to oneanother at a knee. The apparatus may have the knee being positionable sothat the knee bends away from the hinge to allow the holding portions toopen and the knee being positionable so that the knee bends toward thehinge to prevent the holding portions from opening. The apparatus mayhave the length of the hinge being less than the combined length of thefirst leg and the second leg. The apparatus may have one of the first orsecond legs include a lever that bends the knee towards or away from thehinge that joins the holding portions. The apparatus may be removablysecured to the first medical device with a bracket. The apparatus mayhave the bracket include a pair of spaced arms that engage correspondingslots and an S-curve spring secured to a slot to disengage an arm fromthe slot. The first and second holding portions may be a first and asecond jaw, for example.

Another embodiment is of an apparatus for attaching a first medicaldevice to a second medical device. The apparatus includes a basesupporting a clamp having a first and a second holding portion, eachholding portion defining a curvature along the length of the holdingportion, wherein the first and the second holding portions define anopening between the first holding portion and the second holding portionand the first holding portion has at least a first slot and the secondholding portion has at least a second slot. The apparatus may have asliding ring positioned within the first and the second slots so thatthe sliding ring is allowed to rotate in the holding portions to closethe opening defined by the holding portions. The first and secondholding portions may be a first and a second jaw, for example.

Another embodiment of the invention is of an apparatus for attaching afirst medical device to a second medical device, wherein the apparatusis fastened to the first medical device and the apparatus is attachableand detachable to the second medical device. The apparatus includes abase supporting a clamp having a first holding portion and a secondholding portion, wherein the first holding portion of the clamp is fixedin relation to the base and the other holding portion is moveable withrespect to the base to allow the clamp to open. The apparatus may have acam positioned between the base and the clamp, wherein the cam has anedge of varying thickness that is rotatable between the base and thesecond holding portion to engage the second holding portion and preventthe clamp from opening. The apparatus may have the cam on a disk that isrotatably secured to the base. The apparatus may have the disk include ahandle that is moved by a user to rotate the cam. The first and secondholding portions may be a first and a second jaw, for example.

Another embodiment of the invention is of an apparatus for attaching afirst medical device to a second medical device. The apparatus includesa strap connected to the first medical device having a length thatextends around the second medical device. The apparatus includes a sloton the first medical device for receiving an end of the strap. Theapparatus includes a cam in the slot that allows the strap to beadvanced into the slot and resists the strap from being withdrawn fromthe slot. The apparatus may have the cam that upon pivoting on an axiscreates a wide passage that allows insertion of the strap through theslot, and the cam upon pivoting on an axis creates a narrow passage thatprevents the strap from being withdrawn from the slot. The apparatus mayhave the cam having an eccentric lobe that creates the narrow passagethrough the slot. The apparatus may have the cam having an off centeraxis. The apparatus may have the cam having a textured surface to engagethe surface of the strap.

Another embodiment of the invention is of an apparatus for attaching afirst medical device to a second medical device. The apparatus includesa strap connected to the first medical device having a length thatextends around the second medical device, wherein at or near the end ofthe strap, the strap has either the hook or the loop portion of a hookand loop fastener. The apparatus includes a corresponding hook or loopportion of the hook and loop fastener being placed on the first medicaldevice to secure the strap when placed around the second medical device.

Another embodiment of the invention is of an apparatus for attaching afirst medical device to a second medical device. The apparatus includesa strap connected to the first medical device and having a length thatextends around the second medical device and including a number ofserrations. The apparatus includes a ratcheting mechanism that receivesan end of the strap, the ratcheting mechanism having a lever withserrations that engage the serrations on the strap and a pawl to preventthe strap from releasing after ratcheting.

Another embodiment of the invention is of an apparatus for attaching afirst medical device to a second medical device. The apparatus includesa base having a first and a second hinge. The apparatus includes a firstholding portion connected to the first hinge and a second holdingportion connected to the second hinge, wherein the first holding portionand the second holding portion open to receive the second medicaldevice, wherein each holding portion includes a boss that engages as theholding portions are closed and applies pressure to the holding portionsto keep them in a closed position. The first and the second holdingportions create an over-center action that secures the medical device inthe apparatus. The first and second holding portions may be a first anda second jaw, for example.

Another embodiment of the invention is of an apparatus for attaching afirst medical device to a second medical device. The apparatus includesa base having a clamp including a first holding portion and a secondholding portion each holding portion defining a curvature along thelength of the holding portion, wherein the holding portions aresemi-rigid and permit some flexing when placed under pressure, whereinthe holding portions further define an upper radius of curvature alongthe upper edge and a lower radius of curvature along the lower edge sothat the upper radius of curvature is greater than the lower radius ofcurvature. The apparatus may have the first and the second holdingportions together define a funnel shape. The first and the secondholding portions may be a first and a second jaw, for example.

Another embodiment of the invention is of an apparatus for attaching afirst medical device to a second medical device. The apparatus includesa base attachable to the first medical device. The apparatus includes afirst hook positioned on the base at a first elevation near the top ofthe base. The apparatus includes a second hook positioned on the base ata second elevation below the first hook so that the hooks are bothfacing in from opposite directions, the hooks being arranged to engageopposite sides of the second medical device. The apparatus includes asliding latch on the base that is aligned in the same direction as thefirst hook that slides to secure a second medical device that is placedin contact with the first and second hooks.

Another embodiment of the invention is of an apparatus for attaching afirst medical device to a second medical device. The apparatus includesa first and a second ratcheting arm, which are both attachable to afirst medical device. Each ratcheting arm may be formed from a thin,flexible, and elongated strip of material that flexes to wrap around asecond medical device. The ratcheting arms may be connected to oneanother at the center or may be independently attached to the firstmedical device. The ratcheting arms each include an extension withratcheting teeth formed on a surface thereof. One ratcheting armcomprises ratcheting teeth on the lower surface, where the oppositeratcheting arm comprises ratcheting teeth on the upper surface. Eachratcheting arm may further include an ear which is a projectionextending generally perpendicular to the thin, flexible material. Theears are used for opening and closing the ratcheting arms around asecond medical device. One ratcheting arm further includes a pressurefoot. The pressure foot is placed alongside the ratcheting teeth on oneratcheting arm so the ratcheting teeth of the second ratcheting arm areengaged between the ratcheting teeth and the pressure foot of the firstratcheting arm.

Another embodiment of the invention is of an apparatus, such as aratcheting clip, for attaching a first medical device to a secondmedical device. The apparatus includes a first and a second ratchetingarm, which are both attachable to a first medical device. Eachratcheting arm may be formed from a thin, flexible, and elongated stripof material that flexes to wrap around a second medical device. Theratcheting arms may be connected to one another at the center or may beindependently attached to the first medical device. The ratcheting armseach include an extension with ratcheting teeth formed on a surfacethereof. One ratcheting arm comprises ratcheting teeth on an insidesurface, where the opposite ratcheting arm comprises ratcheting teeth onthe outside surface. Each ratcheting arm may further include an earwhich is a projection extending generally perpendicular to the thin,flexible material. The ears are used for opening and closing theratcheting arms around a second medical device. One ratcheting armfurther includes a pressure foot. The pressure foot is placed alongsidethe ratcheting teeth on one ratcheting arm so the ratcheting teeth ofthe second ratcheting arm are engaged between the ratcheting teeth andthe pressure foot of the first ratcheting arm. Embodiments that do nothave a pressure foot can include a pull tab that can be used todisengage one ratcheting arm from the other ratcheting arm. Embodimentsof ratcheting clips can further have a deformable or elastomeric huggerwithin the inside perimeter of the ratcheting arms.

Another embodiment of the invention is of an apparatus for attaching afirst medical device to a second medical device. The first medicaldevice can include a base with one or more keyhole slots. The secondmedical device can include one or more flanged studs for each of thekeyhole slots on the first medical device. The flanged studs may beattached to a band or strap which wraps around the circumference of asecond medical device.

In all of the embodiments disclosed above, the apparatuses areattachable to devices including medical devices such as, but not limitedto, endoscopes, duodenal scopes, as well as any other medical device,and including devices having illumination or imaging means.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, itwill be appreciated that various changes can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A medical instrument, comprising: a shaftconfigured for insertion into a subject; a handle coupled to the shaft,wherein the handle is configured to be held by a user, and wherein thehandle comprises: a distal section coupled to the shaft, a proximalsection, and an attachment device configured to secure the handle to anauxiliary medical instrument, wherein the attachment device comprises: asecuring member having at least one flexible portion, wherein thesecuring member is movable between: (i) a first securing configuration,in which the securing member is configured to exert a first securingforce on the auxiliary medical instrument, and (ii) a second securingconfiguration, in which the securing member is configured to exert asecond securing force on the auxiliary medical instrument, wherein thesecond securing force is greater than the first securing force.
 2. Themedical instrument of claim 1, wherein the securing member is maintainedin the first and the second securing configurations by a latch, andwherein when released, the latch permits the securing member to movebetween the first and the second configurations.
 3. The medicalinstrument of claim 1, wherein the securing member comprises at leastone of a clamp and a strap.
 4. The medical instrument of claim 1,wherein the securing member has opposing first and second surfaces,wherein in the first securing configuration the first and the secondsurfaces are spaced apart by a first distance, wherein in the secondsecuring configuration the first and the second surfaces are spacedapart by a second distance, and wherein the second distance is less thanthe first distance.
 5. The medical instrument of claim 1, wherein thefirst and the second securing configurations are two of a plurality ofsecuring configurations.
 6. The medical instrument of claim 5, whereinthe plurality of securing configurations are discrete, predeterminedsecuring configurations.
 7. The medical instrument of claim 6, whereinthe discrete, predetermined securing configurations are defined byengagement between: (i) a series of protrusions of the attachmentdevice, and (ii) a series of abutments of the attachment device.
 8. Themedical instrument of claim 5, wherein the plurality of securingconfigurations are along a non-discrete continuum of securingconfigurations.
 9. The medical instrument of claim 8, wherein thenon-discrete continuum of securing configurations are defined by cammingengagement between: (i) a first continuous surface on a first componentof the attachment device, and (ii) a second continuous surface on asecond component of the attachment device.
 10. A medical instrument,comprising: a shaft configured for insertion into a subject; a handlecoupled to the shaft configured for gripping by a user, wherein thehandle comprises: a distal section coupled to the shaft, a proximalsection, and an attachment assembly configured to secure the handle toan auxiliary medical instrument, wherein the attachment assemblycomprises: a first attachment device having a first configuration forsecuring the handle to the auxiliary medical instrument, wherein thefirst attachment device, when in the first configuration, provides afirst level of restriction to relative movement between the handle andthe auxiliary instrument, and a second attachment device having a secondconfiguration for securing the handle to the auxiliary medicalinstrument, wherein the second attachment device, when in the secondconfiguration, provides a second level of restriction to relativemovement between the handle and the auxiliary instrument, and whereinthe second level of restriction is more restrictive than the first levelof restriction.
 11. The medical instrument of claim 10, wherein thefirst attachment device comprises a C-clamp.
 12. The medical instrumentof claim 10, wherein the second attachment device comprises a strap. 13.The medical instrument of claim 12, wherein the first attachment devicecomprises a clamp.
 14. The medical instrument of claim 10, wherein thefirst attachment device is configured to deform to permit separation ofthe handle from the auxiliary instrument.
 15. The medical instrument ofclaim 14, wherein the second attachment device comprises a lockconfigured to prevent separation of the handle from the auxiliaryinstrument.
 16. The medical instrument of claim 10, wherein the firstattachment device is offset from the second attachment device along alength of the handle.
 17. A medical instrument, comprising: a shaftconfigured for insertion into a subject; a handle coupled to the shaftconfigured for gripping by a user, wherein the handle comprises: adistal section coupled to the shaft, a proximal section, and anattachment device configured to secure the handle to an auxiliarymedical instrument, wherein the attachment device comprises: a securingmember having at least one flexible portion, wherein the securing memberis movable between: (i) a securing configuration, in which the securingmember is configured to exert a securing force on the auxiliary medicalinstrument, to restrict relative movement between the handle and theauxiliary medical instrument, and (ii) a releasing configuration, inwhich the securing member is deformed to lessen the securing forceexerted by the securing member on the auxiliary medical instrument, topermit relative movement between the handle and the auxiliary medicalinstrument.
 18. The medical instrument of claim 17, wherein theattachment device comprises an actuator coupled to the securing member,and wherein actuation of the actuator moves the securing member from thesecuring configuration to the releasing configuration.
 19. The medicalinstrument of claim 18, wherein actuation of the actuator is configuredto deform the securing member.
 20. The medical instrument of claim 19,wherein the actuator comprises one of a movable tab and a rotatablelever.